Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to

• Provide qualifying learners with intellectual competencies and practical skills on a graduate level in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of Information Technology Management principles in the different functional units of the business organisation; the ability to reflect on their managerial decisions and applications and to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of Information Technology Management as a practice.
• Provide qualifying learners with knowledge in preparation for a career in the Information Technology Management field, as well as to provide a basis for further learning. The qualification will provide qualifying learners with the opportunity to further study at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 on a honors Degree qualification in related learning areas at any higher education institution.

Rationale

There is a shortage of qualified Information Technology(IT) professionals in South Africa. Most academic institutions only address the technical side of Information Technology(IT) by means of courses in Computer Science and Informatics. Many corporates have expressed a need for qualifying learners that understand how to apply technology within a business environment. Learners who complete this qualification will have a strong business background together with an understanding of how to utilize technology on an enterprise level. The business community is dynamic and also change continuously requiring new needs in South Africa and internationally. With the mass exodus of Information Technology(IT) and management skills from South Africa it has also become imperative to accelerate the delivery of qualified people. This qualification therefore aims to deliver immediate benefits to business. This qualification will equip the learner to cope within a changing Information Technology(IT) environment to meet above-mentioned objectives.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the case of learners not complying with the formal admission requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 394 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 150 Credits

• Informatics 1B, 16 Credits.
• Information Technology(IT) Management 1B, 16 Credits.
• Business Management, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Techniques B, 15 Credits.
• Accounting A, 12 Credits.
• Information Technology(IT) Management 1A, 16 Credits.
• Informatics 1A, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting B, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Techniques A, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Informatics 2 B10, 20 Credits.
• Informatics 2 A10, 20 Credits.
• Information Management 2A, 16 Credits.
• Information Technology(IT) Management 2A, 16 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 2A 16 Credits.
• Information Management 2B, 16 Credits.
• Information Technology(IT) Management 2B, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 16 Credits (Choose One)

• Business Management 2A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 2A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 2B, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 2B, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 92 Credits

Information Technology(IT) Management 3A, 16 Credits.

• Informatics 3 B10, 30 Credits.
• Information Technology(IT) Management 3B, 16 Credits.
• Informatics 3 A10, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 16 Credits (Choose One)

• Business Management 3B, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 3A, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 3A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 3B, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate their competence at applying the basic theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of Information Technology Management correctly and reflect on the application made on the process of problem solving (problem solving skills).
2. Plan and execute basic research in Information Technology Management, by gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting the relevant information correctly and reflecting on basic research undertaken (research skills).
3. Demonstrate effective communication competence with the different role players in the Information Technology Management field and applying the theoretical principles of communication (oral/written) and reflect on the application made (communication skills).
4. Accountably develop a theoretical and practical macro vision of Information Technology Management nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological and political macro factors reflecting on the differences among countries, even countries within the same region (develop a macro-vision).
5. Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Information Technology Management by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application.
6. Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of Information Technology Management and learning by solving case studies and completing individual assignments. (Self-responsibility skills).
7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in self-directed teams by implementing the relevant theory of teamwork and reflect on the implementation thereof. (Team-ship).
8. Utilise appropriate Information Technology systems effectively in the management environment as a basis for sound managerial decision-making. (Technological and environmental literacy).
9. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different competencies of a manager. (Explore learning strategies).
10. Promote responsible local and global citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of management capabilities. (Promoting citizenship).
11. Practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of the Information Technology communities and the community at large by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made within the context of cultural diversity. (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity).
12. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the business industry, utilising the theoretical principles and reflect on the application thereof. (Employment seeking skills).

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify and solve business problems using Information Technology. (This is done as a 1-year team project in the final year. A practical prototype is developed and demonstrated.)
• Plan and exercise basic research in the field of Information Technology Management by completing assignments focussing on problem areas within Information Technology Management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on relevant issues correctly by utilising theoretical research methodologies and utilising a range of sources.
• Communicate orally and in writing with the different role players in the field of Information Technology Management by applying the theoretical principles of communication by completing a team project structured to illustrate communication among team members, sponsors and lecturers by means of feedback sessions and written documentation.
• Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
• Reflect on theoretical and practical macro vision of Information Technology Management nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological and political macro factors by completing research assignments contextualised to ensure a practical application of theory.
• Organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of business applying the theoretical aspects.
• Accept responsibility for their own activities in the field of Information Technology Management by completing a team project requiring hardware, software and human resources and apply technical and managerial knowledge.
• Demonstrate responsibility for their own learning activities in the field of Information Technology Management.
• Understands and use skills to manage him/herself and exercise self-discipline by completing individual research based assignments.
• Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a self-directed team of different religious, cultural and economic background.
• Plan and initiate tasks individually or in collaboration.
• Interact with project sponsors and build relationships with organisations involved.
• Utilise appropriate technology (in creating sound Information Technology systems) in the management environment.
• Access and analyse information using a spectrum of technologies, tools and techniques.
• Access, use and organise information knowledge in an ever-changing context.
• Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a manager in preparing for assessments and completing projects and assignments.
• Promote responsible global citizenship through ethical approach/attitude towards the application of management capabilities in business focussing on the professional responsibilities of Information Technology(IT) managers and its social, economic and political impacts.
• Practice social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of the different business communities and the role players in the Information Technology industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles when completing projects.
• Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills, for entry into the different sectors of the business industry by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes: understanding of basic IT principles and advanced Information Technology(IT) and advanced Information Technology (IT) principles to be achieved, theory and practical evaluation will be used. For achieving the assessment purpose on integration of Information Technology(IT) principles a practical evaluation assessment method will be utilised.